Assessment of the feasibility and impact of shared decision making in prostate cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the feasibility and patient impact of using standardized video presentations concerning alternative treatments for managing localized prostate cancer.


METHODS
One hundred eleven men with newly diagnosed localized prostate cancer were shown a video tape concerning the risks and benefits of four treatment options: radical surgery, external beam radiation, hormonal therapy, and watchful waiting. The impact of the video presentation was assessed using a questionnaire completed by the patient before and after viewing the video and again following a discussion with his treating physician.


RESULTS
Patients demonstrated significant increases in their understanding of treatment options to manage prostate cancer after viewing the video presentation. Treating physicians confirmed the increased sophistication of their patients' knowledge of their disease and the potential outcomes associated with alternative treatments.


CONCLUSIONS
Standardized video presentations of treatment alternatives for prostate cancer can be incorporated into busy office practices. Both patients and physicians benefit from the increased level of understanding that allows physician/patient discussions to focus on the critical risk/benefit tradeoffs rather than simply describing treatment alternatives.
Onel
E
E
Department of Surgery, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington 06030-3955, USA.
Hamond
C
C
Wasson
J H
JH
Berlin
B B
BB
Ely
M G
MG
Laudone
V P
VP
Tarantino
A E
AE
Albertsen
P C
PC
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014741:Video Recording